Hi all Sifus..

Currently a 40yr old guy planning to buy a subsale terrace house for own family stay.. House price is RM630k. Am planning to put down a RM130 and get a 25 year loan of 500k

Have a few questions:

1) When it is best time to start engaging a lawyer? Before/after place booking fee with seller? Or before signing of SPA / bank loan agreement?

2) MRTA vs MLTA.. I read some guide says since I am buying for own stay MLTA is sufficient. True? (I already have sufficient life/medical insurance coverage)

3) Would it be a good idea to engage a house inspector to check out the house (the property is almost 10 years old and the previous owner stayed in it before) Possible to have agreement with owner if major defects are found, I can back out of the deal with my deposit?

4) Some online guides advise buyers to get a verbal valuation of the property from the banks before final negotiations with the seller. True?